Cristiano Ronaldo was a notable absentee at the 2019 Ballon d'Or awards as Lionel Messi lifted a record sixth Golden Ball, and it's now been revealed why the Juventus superstar failed to pitch.
Ronaldo, 34, has been known for snubbing ceremonies in which he's not favourite to lift the honour and on the evening in which his long-standing rival Messi made history, the likes of Virgil van Dijk saw the humour in his absence.
READ: Van Dijk trolls Ronaldo after Ballon d'Or snub
However, it's now been confirmed the five-time Golden Ball winner was present at the Serie A award ceremony in Milan, which was held at the same time as the prestigious event hosted by France Football.
Ronaldo lifted the 2018/19 MVP award as the best player in the Italian top-flight for his exploits in their title-winning campaign.
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"It's an honor to hold this award," Ronaldo said, as per Football Italia. "I thank my Juventus teammates.
"I'm very happy to play in Italy, it's a very difficult league. Thanks to everyone for having voted for me. I want to do as well this year, too."
According to reports in Italian media, the Portugal captain waited in his car, away from media until he was awarded the title.
UNBELIEVABLE!
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) December 2, 2019
Cristiano Ronaldo waited in his car for the moment in which he had to be awarded MVP Serie A award!
Then when the time came, he finally get out to enter the theatre, while his bodyguards pointed torchlights to cameras! https://t.co/8A51G9Tatp